GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Vegetation contains roots that extend into the soil which create cracks and fissures in the soil, allowing for more rapid infiltration and increased capacity. Vegetation can also reduce surface compaction of the soil which again allows for increased infiltration.

Detailed explanation-2: -When compared to open ditches, which mainly channel runoff and contribute to erosion, both swales and berms are improved methods of managing stormwater. Improving soil permeability leads to reduced runoff and greater infiltration.

Detailed explanation-3: -Areas with trees generally have greater infiltration rates than lawn or pasture without trees because trees create more stable macropores. They do this for several reasons. The roots of dicotyledonous plants, like most trees, grow in thickness (secondary growth) as well as in length (primary growth).

Detailed explanation-4: -When water is added to the soil slowly in precipitation or irrigation, all the water can infiltrate the soil. When the irrigation rate is excessive, or the precipitation comes rapidly, the infiltration rate is exceeded, resulting in runoff.